5/03/2009

10 Principles of Practicing Good Behavior

Not so little Aqilah - my first born is thirteen..exams is around the corner and she seems to be having these headaches more frequently now. I fear for her..I wonder if there's anything that is disturbing her little mind..friendship? Stress? Being in the in group? I find it also a little more difficult to talk to her now - in her tweens. The sms sounding almost all the time, her world seems to revolve around her friends. I was desperate and looked around for articles.I found the one below taken from ivillage very informative...perhaps it is worth a try..sigh..

1. Pay off correct behavior, not misbehavior. Reinforce polite requests, not whining, teasing and tantrums. Reinforce calm discussions, not arguments and power struggles.

2. Think before you talk. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Reward yourself for being consistent.

3. Expect good behavior from your children. Children must know what you expect from them and what they can expect from you. When children can predict how you will behave in reaction to them, they will make better behavioral choices themselves.

4. Children believe what you tell them. Coach your children on ways to behave appropriately. Teach your children that effort is essential. Use plenty of encouragement. When you encourage your children, they will see that you have faith and confidence in them, and will have it in themselves.

5. Once you recognize a misbehavior pattern, establish a plan. Tell them the rules in advance and be specific and reasonable. Using charts or contracts, spotlight success and provide support and encouragement.

6. Use punishments that teach decision-making and accountability. Children survive reasonable punishments, such as restriction and time-outs. Do not punish when you are angry.
7. Begin teaching responsibility and decision-making when your children are young. This will prepare them for the real world. Remember, children need limits, structure, ground rules and consistency. Children will see these qualities as an expression of your love and concern.

8. Focus on your children's positive qualities but love them regardless of their behavior.

9. Teach your children to seek self-reward -- to feel good about doing the right thing.

10. Provide a healthy and pleasant family climate. Emphasize each other's strengths and accept one another's weaknesses.

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About Me

I stopped counting my age after 21.;) Love being around my children and I believe that an emancipated woman should be allowed self expressions. She should also manifest her passions in ways that suit her best interest and image!